KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to claim victory in the strategic port of Mariupol on Thursday, even as he ordered his troops not to storm the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the war’s iconic battleground.
Russian troops have besieged the southeastern city since the early days of the conflict and largely pulverized it — and top officials have repeatedly indicated it was about to fall, but Ukrainian forces stubbornly held on. In recent weeks, they holed up in a sprawling steel plant, and Russian forces pounded the industrial site and repeatedly issued ultimatums ordering the defenders to surrender.
“The completion of combat work to liberate Mariupol is a success,” Putin said. “Putting such an important center in the south as Mariupol under control is a success.”
#Ukraine: A Russian T-80BV was destroyed by Azov fighters in #Mariupol. It is worth mentioning that this tank has "V" tactical sign which means it was recently redeployed from #Kyiv Oblast. pic.twitter.com/6XvyoI2eV2
— 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) April 21, 2022
#Ukraine: A Stugna-P anti-tank guided missile operator from the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade hit a Russian T-72 tank 4.5 kilometers away. pic.twitter.com/xz38MexTsu
— 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) April 21, 2022
Stung by criticism, Germany says it is open to sending Ukraine heavy weapons
TALLINN, April 21 (Reuters) – Germany is examining what extra maintenance and ammunition its stock of ageing Marder armoured infantry fighting vehicles will need for Ukraine to use them, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.
On the second day of a tour of Baltic states, Baerbock addressed criticism by allies and commentators of Germany’s apparent foot-dragging on delivering the weaponry Kyiv says it needs to fend off Russian attacks.
